Section R403.10—Pool and spa energy consumption.
R403.10 Energy consumption of pools and spas. The energy consumption of pools and permanent spas shall be controlled by the requirements in Sections R403.10.1 through R403.10.4.2.
R403.10.1 Heaters. The electric power to heaters shall be controlled by an on-off switch that is an integral part of the heater mounted on the exterior of the heater in a location with ready access, or external to and within 3 feet (914 mm) of the heater. Operation of such switch shall not change the settings of the heater thermostat. Such switches shall be in addition to a circuit breaker for the power to the heater.
R403.10.2 Time switches. Time switches or other control method that can automatically turn off and on heaters and pump motors according to a preset schedule shall be installed for heaters and pump motors. Heaters and pump motors that have built in time switches shall be deemed in compliance with this requirement.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Where public health standards require 24-hour pump operation. |
| 2. Pumps that operate solar- and waste-heat-recovery pool heating systems. |
R403.10.3 Covers. Outdoor heated pools and outdoor permanent spas shall be provided with a vapor-retardant cover, or other approved vapor retardant means.
EXCEPTION: | Where more than 75 percent of the energy for heating, computed over an operating season of not fewer than three calendar months, is from a heat pump or on-site renewable energy system, covers or other vapor-retardant means shall not be required. |
R403.10.4 Residential pool pumps. Pool pump motors may not be split-phase or capacitor start-induction run type.
R403.10.4.1 Two-speed capability.
1. Pump motors: Pool pump motors with a capacity of 1 hp or more shall have the capability of operating at two or more speeds with low speed having a rotation rate that is no more than one-half of the motor's maximum rotation rate.
2. Pump controls: Pool pump motor controls shall have the capability of operating the pool pump with at least two speeds. The default circulation speed shall be the lowest speed, with a high speed override capability being for a temporary period not to exceed one normal cycle.
R403.10.4.2 Pump operation. Circulating water systems shall be controlled so that the circulation pump(s) can be conveniently turned off, automatically or manually, when the water system is not in operation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.045,
19.27A.160, and chapter
19.27A RCW. WSR 23-02-060, 23-12-102, and 23-20-022, § 51-11R-40390, filed 1/3/23, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.045,
19.27A.160 and chapter
19.27 RCW. WSR 20-01-047, § 51-11R-40390, filed 12/9/19, effective 7/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.045,
19.27A.160, and
19.27.074. WSR 16-02-127, § 51-11R-40390, filed 1/6/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
19.27A.020,
19.27A.045 and chapters
19.27 and
34.05 RCW. WSR 13-04-055, § 51-11R-40390, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13.]
